Follow-up to IRN38406.E of 7 February 2002 on the existence of a group called the Ahwazian Arab People's Democratic Popular Front; whether this group is still active; whether it is based in Iran; its activities, goals; instances of problems with Iranian authorities [IRN39393.E]

According to a representative of Amnesty International's Urgent Action Network in London, the Ahwazian Arab People's Democratic Popular Front is active and present in certain European cities, including London, and aims at a policy of non-violent resistance to the Iranian authorities (27 Aug. 2002). The representative could not confirm if the group adhered to this policy of non-violence, or if the group engaged in activities in Iran (ibid.). The representative stated that, in Amnesty International's opinion, the group has a weak presence in Iran, perhaps even [translation] "only in name" (ibid.). Amnesty International mentions the group as a source for a report of the sentencing to death of five men in Ahvaz for arms smuggling (6 Mar. 2002). The group alleges that the five were in reality executed for their opposition to the government's policy of land seizure in that region (6 Mar. 2002).

The Ahwazian Arab People's Democratic Popular Front's Website includes appeals to various human rights groups for the condemnation of the Iranian government's treatment of Ahwazian Arabs in Iran and elsewhere (n.d.).

No information on the activities of the group, or instances of difficulties with Iranian authorities could be found among sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References


AlAhwaz.com. n.d. "Home page." http://www.alahwaz.com/jenglesh/ [Accessed 21 Aug. 2002]

Amnesty International (AI), London. 27 August 2002. Correspondence received from a representative of the Urgent Action Network.

Amnesty International (AI). 6 March 2002. "Urgent Action: Iran." AI Index: 13/005/2002 http://www.pdk-iran.org/ [Accessed 23 Aug. 2002]

Additional Sources Consulted


Internet Sites including:

Ahwazian Revolution Information Centre

Amnesty International

BBC

Democratic Network of Iran

Department of State (United States)

Fertile Crescent Home Page

Foundation for Democracy in Iran/National Council of Resistance of Iran

Hello to Ahwaz, Ahwazian Homepage

Human Rights Watch

International Federation of Iranian Refugees, Correspondence

Iran Human Rights Chronicle

The Iranian

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty